Exotic Kerala With Snake Boat Race

Snake Boat Race or The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is amongst the premier snake boat races in Kerala. People gather in large numbers to watch nearly 100 Feet long boats compete against each other to the tune of old boat songs. Punnamada Lake is the location for the race where the contestants line up to battle it out.

During this season the area comes to life with ceremonial water processions and beautiful water floats. From the huge chundan valloms (snake boats) to small country rafts, the waters are under the control of the expert oarsmen who put on a show that one can never forget. It is an art form in itself.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race or Snake Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on Punnamada Lake is the most competitive and popular of the boat races. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad, coming to watch the event. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.

The major attraction of the boat race is the competition of snake boats chundanvallams or snake boats.Chundans (snake boats) are an impressive sight, measuring over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. They were called snake boats by the former colonial rulers, who based the name on a native boat found in Norway, although Kerala’s Chundans bear little resemblance to their European namesakes.

Arrive: Cochin.

Later sightseeing of Cochin. Cochin has one of the best natural harbors in the country. Afternoon city tour of Kochi covering Dutch Palace Museum The palace was built around 1545 AD by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma in order to pacify him and to compensate for having plundered a temple in the vicinity of the place. It underwent major repairs at the hands of Dutch and hence the palace is also known as “Dutch Palace.” This two-storied quadrangular building has long and spacious halls. The central courtyard enshrines the tutelary deity of the royal family “Pazhayannur Bhagavathi (the Lord of Pazhayannur)”.  Jewish Synagogue the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi. Constructed in 1567, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin.

Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is “foreigners”, applied to the synagogue because it was built by Sephardic or Spanish-speaking Jews, some of them from families exiled in Aleppo, Safed and other West Asian localities. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.

Also visit Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Net a very unusual method of fishing, operated from the shore. Legend has it that the Chinese Fishing Nets were introduced in Fort Kochi by the Chinese explorer, Zheng He. They were brought from the court of Chinese emperor, Kublai Khan and have been in operation here since that time only. Just take a stroll by the Vasco-da-gama Square near the Fort Cochin and you are bound to come across a number of Chinese fishing nets, suspended in mid-air, alongside the seacoast. Evening enjoy one of the classical dances of South India, known as Kathakali. Overnight stay at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Munnar. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Munnar – is the beautiful hill station housing world’s highest tea-growing estates. Afternoon visit the popular tea estates.

Attukal & Nyayamakad waterfalls. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free for leisure activities.

Overnight at hotel.

After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Alleppey.

On arrival embark the house boat.

Enjoy a memorable houseboat ride on enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha to explore its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and the fascinating Kerala countryside. All meals will be served on board.

Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet “Venice of the east”. These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar Coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as famous for its historic Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

Overnight onboard the House boat.

After breakfast transfer to the venue of Boat Races. Snake Boat Race of Kerala is another, unmatched attraction of God’s Own Country. It is world famous for its rousing snake boat races that draw spectators from all over the country and abroad every year. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival .Some of the popular snake boat races that enliven emerald Kerala backwaters once a year are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The snake boat races of Kerala showcase the spirit and friendliness that the people of the state share. Both the young and the young at heart join in the event to encourage their respective participants. Each of the races signifies a specific legend of the past and commemorates an event. Over a score of singers, 100-125 oarsmen have the control of one snake boat.

At evening transfer to Periyar by surface. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Periyar India’s largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The 120 years old ‘Surki’ dam built across Periyar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq. Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq. Kms. The Country’s sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture.

Periyar is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. On arrival check in at the hotel. Morning enjoy Boat cruise which is the best option to experience the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free for leisure activities.

Overnight at hotel.

In time transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for onward destination.